1Mental Health and Support Systems

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For several years, I’ve suffered from severe anxiety. I’ve come to realize in that amount of time that there are both people who will try their hardest to understand what you’re going through and support you, and those who will simply not be able to have the amount of patience necessary to do so.

While it can be extremely difficult to accept the fact that some of your loved ones may not be able to support you in the way you may have hoped, it is important to remember that there are people in the world who will support you and will be happy to do so. There are family members, trusted friends, and other support systems that are available to those who need them.

Throughout my struggle, I have discovered something amazing: I am not alone. Through sharing my experiences with family, friends, and even teachers, I have found that there are others who either go through similar issues or simply want to help me get through mine. While everyone needs to be careful with whom they are entrusting their story, one should never doubt that there are those who will listen and welcome the stories of others.

I’ve been blogging for a little over two years now. I’ve never met any of these bloggers in person or given out too much private information due to safety reasons, but I have shared my experiences and listened to theirs. There is a whole support system out there that was just waiting to be discovered, and I’m happy to say that I discovered it!

The phrase “you are not alone” is often uttered. I completely understand if there are times when the phrase doesn’t seem to ring true. Trust me, I’ve seen my share of people who no matter what, don’t seem able to be supportive. For some, they are too concerned with their own issues to help others, and sometimes people simply don’t know how to help or don’t want to. Now, this does not necessarily mean that these individuals don’t love you, but not everyone has the same level of understanding.

Even with the fact that I have some family members and have had friends in the past who didn’t really understand what I went through, I still consider myself both lucky and blessed. I have a family who, for the most part, tries to support me. I also have friends who listen to and respect me and who not only listen to my story, but share their own as well. Through joining the blogging community, I have come to realize that not only am I not alone, but that I can make friends who really know what I’m going through.

Dealing with a mental health issue isn’t easy. However, knowing that you are supported makes all the difference. Having someone to talk to and even possibly relate to helps you feel less alone and helps you realize that you are part of a community. Also, while going through something difficult is in no way enjoyable, it does give you insight. When you deal with something and experience something on a personal level, you will inevitably learn lessons. The lessons you learn are not only valuable in terms of being able to help yourself, but you can help others as well.

Sharing the gift of experience is important. Just as I for many years wondered if I was alone in my struggle, I now know that there are many others who wonder the same thing. There are others who wonder if their day-to-day struggles have ever plagued anyone else. There are individuals who still need help, who still seek advice on how to get through their darkest days. I’m here to say that you can help. Just because you go through something difficult, does not mean that you don’t have valuable information to share. In fact, in means the opposite. While not everyone has the exact same issues, everyone does face obstacles. If you suffer from something, you can help others who suffer with similar issues. You don’t have to be alone in your struggles and neither do others around you!

So if you feel like you’re alone in whatever you’re going through, please know that you’re not. If you feel like no one will listen to your story, please know that people will. There will always be people who care about you, and hopefully you care enough about yourself to continue to strive toward your goals. With hard, consistent effort, you can overcome your obstacles, and there’s no reason you have to do it by yourself. While we should not depend on others, we also shouldn’t always shut others out. Remember that you have good advice to share and that others have good advice to give. While you need to be careful about who you give information to, shutting yourself off to a possible support system is not always the wisest choice. So take advantage of the opportunities you have to blossom and to share your stories with others!

Hi, I enjoy writing and sharing my experiences with others. For many years, I have struggled with anxiety and know how difficult it can be to deal with something so seemingly limiting. I have loved to write since I was in first grade and hope to one day be an author. My hobbies include: writing, reading, watching TV, and working hard to get through my anxiety. I currently have a blog (see link below). In addition I sell poetry, inspirational articles, and articles about anxiety at fiverr.com/rabbitbttf48 - I hope that through my writing I can help others realize that they are not alone in their struggles and that they can overcome their obstacles! "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." --Toni MorrisonWebsite http://www.gettingthroughanxiety.wordpress.com